Nigeria Food Prices March 2025: Peak Prices Persist as Planting Season Opens
March 2025 saw food prices hold at crisis levels as the lean season continued. Headline food inflation rose slightly to 24.23% — but the first signals of planting season activity offered cautious hope for relief later in the year.
NaijaMarket Intel Research Team
NaijaMarket Intel
March 2025 Market Overview
March is traditionally the peak of Nigeria's lean season — the period between when last year's harvest has been depleted and when the new crop arrives. It is the hardest month for food consumers, and March 2025 was no exception.
Key Price Data (NBS March 2025)
| Commodity | March 2025 (₦/kg) | Feb 2025 (₦/kg) | MoM Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Rice | ₦1,944.40 | ₦1,952.20 | −0.4% |
| Brown Beans | ~₦2,650 | ~₦2,700 | −1.9% |
| White Garri | ~₦1,190 | ~₦1,210 | −1.7% |
| Tomatoes | ~₦1,420 | ~₦1,440 | −1.4% |
| Onions | ~₦2,020 | ~₦2,057 | −1.8% |
| Palm Oil (per litre) | ~₦2,580 | ~₦2,582 | −0.1% |
Food inflation: 24.23% (NBS, March 2025)
Mile 12 Market Report — Lagos
Traders at Mile 12 in March 2025 described a market where buyers were highly price-sensitive but volume was relatively thin. "People dey buy small small," said one rice trader. "They buy half bag where before they go buy full bag."
This demand compression at high prices — buying smaller quantities more frequently — is a classic consumer response to sustained food inflation. It reduces exposure to price spikes but increases transaction costs for both buyers and traders.
Planting Season Intelligence
March 2025 was the beginning of planting season across much of Nigeria's Middle Belt. Early reports from Benue, Plateau, and Niger states indicated:
- Fertiliser availability had improved compared to 2024 (when import shortages created acute fertiliser scarcity)
- Fuel costs for farm machinery remained high but stable
- Security conditions in Plateau State were better than in 2024
For price watchers, planting season conditions in March are the leading indicator of harvest season prices in October–November. A good March planting generally translates to price relief in Q4.
State Spotlight: Price Extremes in March 2025
Even with national prices elevated, the variation across states was striking:
- Cheapest garri: North-Central states (Niger, Kwara) — approximately ₦600–700/kg
- Most expensive garri: South-South states (Rivers, Bayelsa) — ₦1,400–1,600/kg
- Cheapest beans: North-East states (Borno, Adamawa) — ₦1,800–2,000/kg (where security permitted)
- Most expensive beans: South-East states (Anambra, Imo) — ₦3,000–3,200/kg
What to Watch in April
- Whether April rains arrive on schedule (crucial for planting season crops)
- Kano tomato prices — early-season tomatoes from Kano gardens typically arrive in April
- Any FX movement that would affect import-dependent commodities
Data: NBS Selected Food Price Watch March 2025; Nairametrics Mile 12 market surveys.
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